Funding available for community groups

Community groups across West Oxfordshire could be in line for a £500 cash boost.

Applications are being sought for funding from our Community Activities Grant with the criteria significantly broadened this year to include not just arts and heritage projects but any type of activity which brings people together.

Organisers are looking for community groups wishing to develop arts, heritage or community-based projects in West Oxfordshire which contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents and quality of community life. A total of £11,000 is available for the 2019 awards with grants ranging between £100 and £500.

Last year a wide range of organisations benefited from funding ranging from the Charlbury Riverside Festival to the Combe Mill Society.

Bampton Classical Opera received £500 which went towards its performance of Nicolo Isouard’s rare opera, Cinderella.

Director Jeremy Gray said: “Our running costs are enormous but we want to keep ticket prices as reasonable as possible so this grant was very welcome.

“There is a strong community involvement with local people helping us with everything from front of house to catering.”

Dr Gray added that another application would be made this year to help with the production of the next rare opera, Bride and Gloom, by Stephen Sorace.

Heather McCulloch, Healthy Communities Manager at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We are really pleased to be able to broaden the scheme this year.

“There are so many people organising so much for West Oxfordshire residents and we look forward to hearing from them and doing a little more to support their work.”